Cyflwynwyd yr ymateb hwn i ymgynghoriad y Pwyllgor Biliau Diwygio ar Fil Senedd Cymru (Aelodau ac Etholiadau).

This response was submitted to the Reform Bill Committee consultation on the Senedd Cymru (Members and Elections) Bill.

SCME233 Ymateb gan:  | Response from: Alun L Hughes
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I am writing to state my objection to every aspect of the changes proposed in this ‘supposed’ consultation. I say ‘supposed’ because it is clear that the Welsh Labour Government are not interested in listening to any voice of reason, having conspired to push through any legislation that they have a mind to, thanks to the co-operation agreement with Plaid Cymru. Even if there were 460,000 objections to the proposals (like there is to the introduction of blanket 20mph speed limits in Wales) it is clear that the First Minister will do exactly what he wants and reject with one word any opposition. That is not democracy as we know it in this Country in terms of national UK elections, nor are these proposals democratic.

My specific objections are as follows:

• I object to loss of the elements of the, “First past the post” element of voting. This will and I am sure is intended, to stifle anything other than well-funded political parties and prevents the development and participation of smaller fringe groups.
• The loss of opportunity to vote for an individual means that the voter will have to vote for people at the top or near the top of a Party list, whether they have any regard for the qualities of that individual or not. This is not representation of the people and will lead to further detachment with the democratic process and further retard voter turnout.
• Ironically the proposed growth of the size of the Senedd is supposed to provide for better scrutiny of legislation. For the reasons stated above, the current one party rule in Wales which the Welsh Labour Government and Plaid Cymru wish to effectively make permanent, will ensure exactly what they are doing now i.e. rule effectively by dictat. Junior members of the existing parties will still be directed to vote in line with party discipline, the percentages will stay the same only the numbers of individuals will increase.
• At a time when the Welsh Labour Government admit to huge budgeting problems going forward, they seem only too happy to embark upon a range of costly vanity projects such as this. It is far
• too expensive and does not add value to the tax payer in Wales on whose shoulders the costs will be bourne.
• Finally if this scheme were recommended to go ahead it is clear that such a fundamental change should only be allowed to proceed if it receives the backing of the electorate for the changes in a referendum.

This is my submission as an individual (not for any organisation) and I am over 18 years old. My contact details are as follows and I am happy to have my name recorded publicly alongside my evidence. There is no need to treat my evidence as confidential.

Mr Alun L Hughes